Get ready for a thrilling weekend of NASCAR action as the racing series takes over two iconic venues! The highly anticipated return to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and the debut on the streets of St. Petersburg promise an adrenaline-pumping spectacle.
But first, let's dive into the details:
On February 28, 2026, NASCAR fans will be treated to a triple-header of racing excitement. The NASCAR Cup Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will battle it out at COTA, while the Craftsman Truck Series makes its highly anticipated street debut in St. Pete.
NASCAR Cup Series:
The main event! This series takes center stage on Sunday, with the green flag dropping at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Teams will have seven sets of tires at their disposal, including five new race sets and one transferred from qualifying. And here's where it gets tactical: they'll also have one set for practice and a whopping six sets of wet-weather tires, ensuring they're prepared for any weather surprises.
Key Links:
- Entry List: Who's in the running?
- Qualifying Order: Who's starting where?
- Practice Results: How are the teams shaping up?
- Qualifying Results: Who secured pole position?
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series:
The Saturday showdown! Kicking off at 3 p.m. ET on The CW, this series will see slightly fewer tire sets with five in total. Teams get four new race sets, one from qualifying, and one for practice, along with four sets of wet-weather tires.
Key Links:
- Entry List: Who's in the mix?
- Qualifying Order: Who's starting up front?
- Practice Results: How's the competition shaping up?
- Qualifying Results: Who's on pole position?
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series:
The street debut! This series hits the streets of St. Pete on Saturday at noon ET, broadcast on FOX. With five tire sets, including four new race sets and one from qualifying, teams will need to strategize. And here's a twist: due to inclement weather, practice was shortened, and qualifying canceled, so the lineup will be set via the metric.
Key Links:
- Entry List: Who's ready for the streets?
- Practice Results: How did the teams adapt to the street course?
- Starting Lineup: Who's starting at the front of the pack?
And this is the part most fans eagerly await—the race results! Will your favorite driver or team secure victory? Stay tuned as we bring you all the action from COTA and St. Petersburg. But remember, in racing, anything can happen, so expect the unexpected!
What's your take on this weekend's NASCAR action? Are you excited about the return to COTA or the street debut in St. Pete? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below. Let's get the conversation rolling!
